BRIN offers two programs that encourage kids to experience and learn science. These programs are suitable for students entering 7th grade and older.

Lawrence Brothers Science Camp was founded in 2002 by the descendants of USD alumni brothers Ernest O. and John Lawrence. E.O. won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his invention of the cyclotron and John is known as the Father of Nuclear Medicine. A broad theme is chosen for the week-long residential camp that includes physical science, chemistry, life science, mathematics and health sciences. The three themes are currently: Light and Vision, The Science of Sports, and CSI and they alternate so that the rising 7th, 8th, and 9th grade campers can participate in all 3 during the years at camp. The goal of the camp is to inspire middle school students in science and give them hands-on opportunities to conduct experiments designed to challenge them and show them that science is fun.

 for more information about the Lawrence Brothers Science Camp!

The Research Apprentice Program or RAP was started at USD in 1989 by a grant supplement from the National Institutes of Health to Dean Robert Talley. The program introduces 5-8 disadvantaged high school students to research by having them work with USD researchers for five weeks during the summer. Research options include survey work in psychology and social work and work in a chemistry, biomedical science, or biology laboratory and are arranged by the program. RAP fellows also participate in the career and social opportunities of the simultaneous Upward Bound program which supports their room and board and activity expenses. The program has been offered at USD every summer since 1989 except for 2006 when no funding was available.

 for more information about the Research Apprentice Program!